BMW i3 Research

The Car Connection BMW i3 Overview

The BMW i3 is the brand's most unusual, yet most environmentally forward-thinking vehicle ever. It's BMW's first electric car, has a body formed from carbon fiber, and can be outfitted with an optional range-extending 2-cylinder engine that kicks in when its batteries' charge is depleted.

With the i3, BMW launched a vehicle very different from its carefully honed traditional lineup of sporty sedans and crossovers. It's so different, the i3 got its own sub-brand. The i3 was the first entry in what will become a range of "BMW i" vehicles, joined initially by the i8 hybrid sports car.

For 2017, the big change is the availability of a higher capacity battery that provides up to 114 miles of electric range. Additionally, the model's range-extender's fuel capacity has been increased from 1.9 to 2.4 gallons.

In 2018, BMW slightly redesigned the i3 and offered for the first time a "sport" version, the BMW i3s. Sport is relative here, the i3s only receives a 14 hp boost over the normal i3.

The shape of BMW's i3 is unlike that of anything currently within the BMW or Mini fold because it's been conceived as a dedicated electric car. The i3 is offered in several different "worlds," as BMW calls the model's trim levels.

The i3 can trace its roots to BMW's MegaCity concept car. The architecture that concept spawned is called LifeDrive—it's a passenger (Life) module set atop a powertrain (Drive) module, for a modern twist on the old body-on-frame idea. In a first for a mass-produced vehicle, the passenger cell is produced from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, while the rolling chassis is made of aluminum.

The i3 is designed and styled for urban environments. The tall hatchback has plenty of glass all around, including on the hatch, to provide great visibility and make parking easy in tightly packed cities. The doors are hinged at the rear to keep it short and provide a coupe-like look. Like the iconic Toyota Prius and the more recent Nissan Leaf, the BMW i3 is instantly identifiable—with looks that provoke strong reactions, one way or another.

The i3 is primarily an electric car, with a 170-horsepower rear-mounted electric motor system providing somewhere between 80 and 100 miles of driving range. Separately there’s the option for a range-extender—a 0.7-liter gasoline 2-cylinder engine making 34 hp.

In the BMW i3, the range extender only functions to provide electricity, not supplemental tractive power, like in the Chevrolet Volt. With its tiny 2.4-gallon fuel tank and an estimated 33-42 mpg, it nearly doubles the effective range—as well as curb any range anxiety. The i3 will charge fully in about three hours at 220 volts, or get to a full charge in 30 minutes using an SAE standardized DC fast-charger.

The lithium-ion battery that powers the i3's rear-mounted electric motor is sandwiched into the car's floor. Initially, the battery's capacity was 22-kwh, but a 33-kwh variant was added for the 2017 model year. The body is made of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), so strong that there are no pillars required between the front and rear doors on each side.

Although modest, the system's output is enough to move the i3 in a sporting way; BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds, and the little city car can top out at 93 mph. The rear-drive layout and near-50/50 front/rear weight distribution help it to outdo the dynamics of other small electric cars, although the handling is somewhat affected by the tall body and boosted electric steering. The weight-saving measures also pay dividends here, as well as with energy consumption. The i3's tall and narrow tires measure 155/70R19 and are of the low-rolling-resistance variety to improve mileage.

The i3 has a very upright cabin layout that helps make the most of available space. Cabin upholstery includes recycled materials—even the wood has been sustainably sourced—and with the tall roof, there's more than enough space for adults in back.

Three different trim levels of the i3 are offered, although BMW has chosen to call them Worlds instead. They include the Mega World, Giga World, and Tera World. Navigation, ConnectedDrive, LED headlights and running lamps, an alarm system, and a 7.4-kw charger are included on all levels. The Giga World adds leather and wool upholstery, contrast stitching, and satellite radio, while the Tera gets special trims, a full-leather interior, and its own unique wheels. Beyond the trim level and a few color choices, there are not many options or packages offered on the i3.

Pricing in the U.S. started at $42,275 when the i3 went on sale in May 2014. After a short initial model year, the 2015 model arrived with few changes—heated seats, satellite radio, and the DC fast-charge port were made standard, and base prices rose about $1,000 as a result of the added equipment.

Unappealing!

This vehicle may have some redeeming (BMW) qualities, but it sure isn't the appearance. It is UGGGGLY! Who would have thought it possible from BMW?

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January 2, 2016

2015 BMW i3 4-Door HB w/Range Extender

This will be the last car I ever buy!

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Back in 2005 or thereabouts, I lived in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. When the Toyota Prius became available there, I leapt at the chance to buy this game changing 'green' car. I bought my second Prius...
Back in 2005 or thereabouts, I lived in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. When the Toyota Prius became available there, I leapt at the chance to buy this game changing 'green' car. I bought my second Prius when I shifted back to New Zealand in 2010, as it was still the coolest greenest car on the market. I still have it (now done over 101,000 km and still going strong). But - I seldom drive it now. About a year ago, I became one of the first New Zealanders to buy an even bigger game changer and an even 'greener' car - the BMW i3 (Rex version). After a year, with 19000 km on the odometer, I still can't believe my good fortune. The car has won a swag of awards (try Googling them!) and every one of them richly deserved. Funky in style, incredibly responsive to the pedal, this is a dream car to drive. I've even had it on the local racing circuit - over 200metres against a souped up Subaru WR-X, the latter pipped it, but only just! Not bad for what my Ferrari racing car driver called a 'mum and dad' car.

Performance? I've found I can get about 130km on battery charge alone and then double that to c. 260 km with the petrol assist to drive the batteries (not the car!) for another 130km. I often drive from Christchurch to Kaikoura without stopping (that's 185km, so still have c. 45 km to play with before recharging the car, usually overnight, when electricity is cheaper. It's cool, too, that New Zealand's electricity is predominantly from hydro-electric dams. Can't even say I've noticed much change in my power bill - I'm guessing here but think a tankful of electricity costs me + More »

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November 14, 2015

2015 BMW i3 4-Door HB

Make the Jump!

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Had a 2012 Volt prior to this i3 and glad I made the jump! Can't say enough good things about the usual high quality fit & finish of a BMW, and the performance is strong off the line, much more so than the...
Had a 2012 Volt prior to this i3 and glad I made the jump! Can't say enough good things about the usual high quality fit & finish of a BMW, and the performance is strong off the line, much more so than the Volt. DC Fast charging is awesome and I look forward to more stations coming on line. Have made use of BMW's free loaners (Mobility Program) for longer trips a couple of times, so I never feel "stuck." I will say that if the range was 100-120 miles I would very rarely need the loaner. + More »